A Rare Dyeing Experience Guided Directly by a Master of Traditional Craft
Did you know about a precious tour where you can experience dyeing under the guidance of a master of traditional craft at a historic workshop?
Many dyeing-related artisans gathered along the Kanda River, seeking the clean water perfect for dyeing. The water quality in Tokyo, including the Kanda River, is hard water. The iron content in the water causes chemical reactions during the dyeing process, resulting in slightly subdued colors. These unique, subdued hues of Edo Sarasa evoke a sense of "Wabi-Sabi." Dyeing remains a traditional craft, continuing the legacy in Shinjuku’s local industry.
Stepping into the Historic Workshop is an Awe-Inspiring Experience
Our dyeing experience tour is held at Tomita Sen Kogei, the largest dyeing workshop in the area. The history of Tomita Sen Kogei began in 1882 when the first generation, Kichibei Tomita, established the workshop in Asakusa. In 1914, the dyeing workshop for Edo Komon and Edo Sarasa was relocated to its current location in Waseda, Shinjuku. The workshop retains its traditional atmosphere, with an old-fashioned "Itaba" (Dyeing place) and "Mushibako" (steaming boxes) used to set colors in dyed fabrics.
As a historic workshop, Tomita Sen Kogei boasts a collection of 120,000 Ise Katagami (paper stencils) used for Edo Komon and Edo Sarasa. Many of these stencils have a modern feel. Edo Komon is designated as a Traditional Craft Product by the Minister of International Trade and Industry (now the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry). Edo Sarasa is designated as a Traditional Craft Product by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.
Atsushi Tomita, the fifth generation of Tomita Sen Kogei, proposes dyeing scarves and parasols that fit modern life using Edo Komon and Edo Sarasa stencils. A master of traditional craft, Atsushi Tomita has been awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Silver Rays.
Several Masters of Traditional Crafts Work at Tomita Sen Kogei
Several masters of traditional crafts work at Tomita Sen Kogei. A "master of traditional craft" is recognized as a specialist in the designated traditional craft products by the Minister of Economy, Trade, and Industry. Less than 10% of Japanese craftsmen achieve this status, making them true specialists in traditional craft techniques. Having a dyeing experience directly instructed by these masters of traditional craftsmen is an exceptionally rare opportunity.
Tomita Sen Kogei also created the "Furoshiki Cloth," the official merchandise for the Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. Governor Yuriko Koike made headlines by wearing the "Furoshiki Cloth" as a scarf. Tomita Sen Kogei even has a branch in Paris, France.
Why Not Have a Unique Dyeing Experience at Tomita Sen Kogei?
Why not have a unique dyeing experience at Tomita Sen Kogei (Tokyo Some Monogatari Museum), where you can dye a silk stole (worth ¥25,000) and a tote bag? These exclusive silk stoles and tote bags are perfect for everyday use, serving as a wonderful souvenir of your trip to Japan. Wearing them will always remind you of your special traditional craft experience in Japan. Isn’t it wonderful to always have a piece of Japanese heritage with you?
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